Soto didn't make his decision to join the Mets lightly as he gathered with his family to come to a conclusion. The Mets won out, largely because of Cohen's investment in the franchise and Soto's belief in the team's long-term future. They edged their crosstown rival New York Yankees who began the process as the No. 1 team in Soto's mind.

The New York Mets have historically been in the New York Yankees ' shadow since their inception in 1962, but the tide is turning. They signed Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million deal in free agency after he spent 2024 with the Yankees, signaling a shift in power in the Big Apple's baseball landscape.

New York Mets superstar Juan Soto recently broke down why he chose not to return to the New York Yankees this offseason.